perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps 

ˈpraps

: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Synonyms of perhaps

Adverb

• maybe
• possibly
• probably

Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb

perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

And perhaps the most telling aspect of an SGG narrative is audience complicity, garnered through narrative intimacy. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Wednesday’s 4-2 win against Slavia Prague in the Champions League was a step in the right direction for Hansi Flick’s men, as per perhaps not needing to contest a playoff for knockout phase qualification. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Trust your ability to attract money to you or, perhaps, favors and practical support will come your way. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026

Greeting the teams on visits to the Rams’ practice facility, handing out turkeys to families during the holidays and, perhaps most impactfully, being a part of those football clinics in a tangible way. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1643, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perhaps

• bitmaps
• bootstraps
• collapse
• elapse
• mishaps
• prolapse
• relapse
• satraps
• wiretaps
• apps
• caps
• chaps

Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb

per·​haps

pər-ˈ(h)aps, 

ˈpraps

: possibly but not certainly

Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap